Charges filed for party that led to Anyasike’s death

March 25, 2014

MADISON (AP) - Prosecutors have filed misdemeanor charges against a father and son accused of hosting an underage drinking party attended by a star student-athlete from Dawson who was later found dead of hypothermia.

Gary Hastad, 59, and his 19-year-old son, Erik, were charged last week with violating Lac qui Parle County's social host ordinance, which is a misdemeanor. The younger Hastad is also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Michael Anyasike, 18, was reported missing after fleeing from the party early on March 9 as sheriff's deputies arrived. His body was found about a mile from the Madison area farm where the party was held. A medical examiner ruled alcohol was a contributing factor in his hypothermia death.

The younger Hastad was booked into jail Monday. Gary Hastad was charged by summons.

Calls by The Associated Press to the Hastads' home seeking comment went unanswered Monday.

Erik Hastad spread the word about the Saturday night party at the vacant farm and was screening people as they arrived, according to the criminal complaint. Gary Hastad, the farm's owner, was not at the party but "reasonably should have known about it," the complaint said.

Anyasike was a senior and intended to attend St. John's University this fall.